? Scott County Sheriff John Lizenby has never supported the practice of conducting foreclosure sales through his office.
And there have been lots of such sales held this year in the county. As Sheriff Lizenby noted, “There have been a lot, too many.”
Thus far in 2008, the Sheriff’s Office has conducted sales on 161 homes. That’s a little less than in 2007 but not much. “That means we’re doing about 16 a month,” the Sheriff related.
When his wife Lisa suggested a moratorium on foreclosure sales from, say, mid-November through December 31, the Sheriff said he was all for it.
“By state law, the county sheriff conducts these sales, but we have the discretion to hold the sales within a reasonable amount of time. Calling a halt to foreclosure sales after the sale that is already scheduled in November seems like a nice thing to do for families during the holiday season,” stated Sheriff Lizenby. “It might give a few a six weeks reprieve or so.”
Consequently, foreclosure suits may still be filed and advertised in local newspapers, but those properties at the end of the foreclosure process won’t be sold until perhaps the second week of January.
“It gives these families a little ‘breather,’ maybe allowing them a little time to prepare for a move or to enjoy Thanksgiving or Christmas in their homes once again before moving,” said Sheriff Lizenby.
The inevitable will eventually take place in each case, he went on. “We felt this moratorium during the holidays is warranted as a good-will gesture to families having a tough time. We want to help where we can and when we can. This is one of those times,” concluded the Sheriff.